A nice open fall this year has meant that most livestock producers have had a chance to move their hay home. Leaving the bales out in the field can prove costly due to stand damage and quality losses.
Andre Bonneau, a regional forage specialist with Saskatchewan's Ministry of Agriculture, says when it comes to storing the bales, shelter is ideal but there are other options. Some producers like to store the bales end-to-end, while others use the mushroom style:
"The bottom bale is on end, and the top bale is on its side," Bonneau explains, "that works really well if you're going through that hay fairly quickly, if you're go through that hay over the winter. But long-term, your best bet is tube-style, like I said, end-to-end about three feet apart."
Leaving bales out in the field can cause damage to the hay stand and the bale itself, as it's exposed on all sides to the weather. Bonneau says storing the bales properly will help to preserve the quality.
Source : PortageOnline